USA > California > San Benito County > History and biographical record of Monterey and San Benito Counties : and history of the State of California : containing biographies of well-known citizens of the past and present. Volume II > Part 18
USA > California > Monterey County > History and biographical record of Monterey and San Benito Counties : and history of the State of California : containing biographies of well-known citizens of the past and present. Volume II > Part 18
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On both sides of the family Dr. Faulkner is descended from English ancestry, his parents, Thomas and Emma (Walker) Faulkner, being natives of the mother country. The father was born in 1809, near Oxford, where he was reared and made his home for years. He took up the study of veterinary surgery, and after serving an apprenticeship of eight years was well qualified to carry on the work independently. He then brought his family to the United States, in 1855, and located in Dodge county, Wis., where he built up a practice and made his home the re- mainder of his life, passing away at the age of eighty years. The son, George F. Faulkner, was born after the family located in Dodge county,
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Wis., his birth occurring March 16, 1856. As his father's farm was located in close proximity to Beaver Dam, he had the benefit of school priv- ileges in that town. A predilection to follow in his father's footsteps as to the choice of a pro- fession was manifested at an early age, for from boyhood he had assisted his father in his profes- sional work. While still quite young he had a good working knowledge of the profession, but in order to perfect himself and receive a diploma he took a course in the Chicago Veterinary Col- lege. He subsequently held a position as a spe- cialist and traveled in various parts of the United States, making Wisconsin his headquarters.
When Dr. Faulkner came to California, in 1888, the real purpose which he had in mind was to pay a visit to his brother, who had previously located here, and then to return to Wisconsin and resume his practice. Immediately, however, he fell under the charm of the west, and while he did return to Wisconsin, it was for the purpose of settling up his affairs, so that he could return to the west permanently. As has been previously stated, he located in Salinas in 1888, and this has been his headquarters ever since, although in his official capacity of livestock inspector he travels all over the county, and for five years he also filled a similar office in San Luis Obispo county. As a result of his long and conscientious service, extending over a period of sixteen years, Monte- rey county has made long strides in the matter of stock inspection, and now holds a clean bill of health of stock inspection by him. One of the secrets of his success may, in a measure, be at- tributed to his personality, for his genial nature wins the respect and confidence of the stockmen, to the end that they work with a common purpose in view and accomplish results. At the time this part of the state was under quarantine, Monterey county was the first to be released from the banns, after the line was moved to the Monterey boundary, thus proving the possession of the highest average as to the health of stock in the state.
Dr. Faulkner was united in marriage in 1892 with Carrie E. St. James, and one son, Ray, has blessed their marriage. In the best sense of the word Dr. Faulkner is public-spirited, and no ef- fort of an upbuilding nature has lacked his whole- hearted co-operation. He is especially interested
in the maintenance of good schools, and it is due to his activity in this matter, in a large meas- ure, that Salinas is able to lay claim to her high educational standard. Politically he is a Repub- lican, and for over six years he served efficiently as one of the city councilmen. In the line of his profession Dr. Faulkner is a member of the Cali- fornia State Veterinary Association, and is also. a member of the Illinois State Veterinary Medi- cal Association. While in Wisconsin, at the age of twenty-one years, he joined the Masonic order, and now holds membership in Salinas Lodge, No. 204, F. & A. M .; Salinas Chapter, No. 59, R. A. M .; Watsonville Commandery, No. 22, K. T.,. and Islam Temple, of San Francisco. With his wife he is a member of the Eastern Star, with which they are officially associated as past patron and past matron, and for three years Dr. Faulk- ner was master of his lodge. Mrs. Faulkner. holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal. Church in Salinas, toward the maintenance of which Dr. Faulkner contributes liberally. From whatever aspect the life of Dr. Faulkner may be. viewed, whether professionally or socially, it must be conceded that he has been successful,. and certain it is that Salinas and Monterey coun -. ties have gained by his citizenship.
MANUEL WOLTER.
This descendant of influential old German and Spanish antecedents was born in Monterey in 1847 and his eyes first opened to the light in what was known as the old Capitol Club on Al- varado street. His father, Captain Charles, was. an early California pioneer and his mother, Jo- sefa (Estrada) Wolter, traced her lineage to' one of the oldest Spanish families of Monterey. Memories of childhood take him back to the days when Monterey was a mere hamlet and when there were only sixteen houses (all of adobe) on Alvarado street, yet this city, in spite of insignificant proportions and adobe houses, was first in importance in the entire coast coun- try. Its people wielded an influence felt through every part of the territory and for years it maintained a reputation as the center of the. aristocratic Spanish regime.
Situated near Monterey was El Toro rancho ..
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of fifty-six hundred acres that was owned by Charles Wolter and devoted to the raising of sheep, cattle and horses, and at the time of the death of the owner it was well stocked and in a very prosperous condition. On this large estate the boyhood years of Manuel Wolter were un- eventfully passed in the midst of surroundings that, despite the new American occupancy of the country, still gave evidence of the old Spanish rule. Until he was nineteen years old he re- mained on the ranch and at this time he was sent to Santa Clara College, where he was edu- cated and also took an active part in athletics, and for sixteen years following 1866 he was interested in baseball and was well known on the diamond of those early years. After a course at Santa Clara he went to Heald's Busi- ness College in San Francisco and upon his return home he had to assume the duties as head of the family and the supervision of the ranch. He entered upon his cares under the most difficult conditions, but by his straightforward manner he inspired confidence and received the advice and co-operation of many friends of his father, who wanted to see the young man succeed. He carried on the ranch and was able to pay off all claims and care for the family, and became rec- ognized as one of the most successful ranchers in the valley. In 1894 he disposed of the prop- erty and removed to Monterey, where he em- barked in the livery and draying business and since that time has been a resident of Monterey, the town of his birth.
Ever since attaining his majority, Mr. Wolter has supported Republican principles. For more than twenty years he has been very prominent in municipal and county affairs, holding among other offices those of deputy sheriff and assist- ant marshal. During the four years that he did night guard duty he had several thrilling experiences, but in every instance proved him- self equal to the emergency. In 1873 he was united in marriage with Miss Lucy Little, daughter of an early settler of Monterey. Born of their union were the following children : Charles, now residing in Berkeley; Mary, the wife of J. J. Murray, of San Rafael, Marin county ; Manuel, Jr., who is in the United States regular army; Lucy, a twin of Manuel, now in :San Francisco; Milton, living in Monterey,
Grace, who is with her parents; and Harry, also in Monterey. Fraternally Mr. Wolter is identi- fied with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Chosen Friends, Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Order of Good Templars, and in addition he has the honor of being the oldest member in Monterey of the Native Sons of the Golden West.
JAMES M. HUGHES.
The entire life of Mr. Hughes has been passed within the limits of Monterey county, where he was born, at Salinas, April 28, 1870, and where he now holds a responsible position as superin- tendent of Branch No. I for the Spreckels Sugar Company. Upon starting out to earn his own way in the world he had learned the trade of saddler and harness-maker under his father, who was thoroughly experienced in these trades and whose oversight proved helpful in securing a comprehensive knowledge of the work. How- ever, the confinement to indoor employment proved injurious to his health, and he was obliged to seek an occupation affording exercise in the open air. In this way he became identified with the sugar factory and entered upon the work, in which he has been successful to an un- usual degree.
Nine children, six sons and three daughters, comprise the family of Michael and Margaret (McDougall) Hughes, honored residents of Sa- linas. For years the father carried on a sad- dlery shop in Salinas under the name of M. Hughes, and he built up a reputation as an expert in the manufacture and repair of harness, retain- ing from year to year the same group of satisfied customers. Personally he was a man possessing great kindness of heart and generosity of dispo- sition, and these qualities won for him many friends. At the age of seventy years, in 1906, he passed from earth. Since then the business has been conducted by his younger sons.
Upon the completion of the studies of the com- mon schools of Salinas and the taking up of an employment necessary for a livelihood, James M. Hughes learned his father's trade, but, as pre- viously stated, the failure of his health led him to seek another occupation, and he has had the
Fred Burchard
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gratification of entirely recovering his former strength by an abundance of outdoor exercise. Under his management he has about twenty-five men engaged in various occupations. Since he became foreman, about 1903, he has had under his direct supervision about ten thousand acres of the Spreckels land, mostly in sugar beets. It is necessary to rotate the crops about every fourth year in order to secure the best results from the cultivation of the soil. The refuse of the factory is applied to this land as fertilizer. Ever since becoming an employe of the company Mr. Hughes has worked in the interests of his employers, and the fact of his retention furnishes abundant proof that his efforts have been ap- preciated. The raising of sugar beets requires special knowledge on the subject, and this he possesses in all of its details, so that he is well qualified to direct the labors of the men identified with this work.
In September, 1908, with his brother, William H., he embarked in business in Salinas by open- ing a first-class men's furnishing goods establish- ment, and under the able management of his brother the business has been a very profitable investment. The store carries one of the best assorted stocks to be found outside of San Fran- cisco.
FREDERICK BURCHARD.
Experiences giving him an insight into condi- tions in various parts of the world were cul- minated by the arrival of Mr. Burcnaru in Cali- fornia, where he has made his home since 1870, and where for years he has been extensively en- gaged in stock-raising and in general farming activities. Born in Germany in 1845, he was apprenticed to the trade of a dyer at the time of leaving school, and at the close of his time he worked as a journeyman in Hamburg. The quiet round of daily duties did not prove con- genial to a youth of stirring impulses, and at the age of twenty years he sailed for Australia, where for five years he followed the sheep bisi- ness, coming from there to California with the intention of becoming a permanent resident of our country.
After having remained in San Francisco for seven months, Frederick Burchard came to Mon-
terey county and embarked in the sheep busi- ness in Chualar canyon. in partnership with his brother, John H. Burchard. The brothers con- tinned in business together until 1890, when Frederick purchased his brother's interest and continued the business alone. During 1876 he removed to the vicinity of King City and took up one hundred and sixty acres of government land, to which subsequently he added by the purchase of railroad land and squatter's rights until his landed possessions aggregated about seventeen hundred acres. For some years he continued in the sheep industry, and his large tracts afforded an abundance of grass for the flocks. However, finally the industry began to be unprofitable for holders of large flocks, and in 1888 he sold off the sheep and bought cattle.
Prior to 1886 Mr. Burchard had raised only an amount of grain and hay sufficient for his own stock, but after that year he began to farm more extensively and to raise crops to sell in the markets. Since then he has operated largely in grain-raising, although his interests in stock have not lessened, and he has a large number of cattle and horses on his pastures. In addi- tion to superintending eight hundred acres, which he owns and on which he has made valu- able improvements, he rents three hundred acres for cultivation to barley and finds his time fully occupied with the care of his stock and grain and the supervision of his vast acreage. Out- side of his ranching interests he has invested money elsewhere and now owns residence prop- erty in King City, is a stockholder in the Roche- dale Company and the Monterey Bank of King City, also owns stock in the King City Electric Light, Power and Water Company, in which plant his eldest son, Henry B., is employed as an electrician.
The marriage of Frederick Burchard united him with Miss Mary Jessen, who was born in Denmark, but at an early age came to Califor- nia, and prior to her union with Mr. Burchard made her home in Soledad. Four sons and two daughters comprise their family. Mention has previously been made of the eldest son. The eldest daughter, Carrie, married James Bangard and resides on the ranch, as do also Ernest F., Ida and Carl; Frederick, Jr., remains with his parents in King City. The family holds a high
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social position in their community, and as a progressive rancher, experienced stockman and judicious farmer, Mr. Burchard has an enviable place in the esteem of his fellow men. Fraternal- ly he is associated with the Odd Fellows in King City Lodge. Until the discontinuance of the school in the Campbell district he served as a trustee, and always he has been steadfast in his advocacy of measures for the upbuilding of the country schools and the broadening of their use- fulness .. To movements of a philanthropic na- ture or to those for the moral upbuilding of the community he has been a sympathetic contrib- utor, and his influence has always been depended upon to aid wise projects for the common wel- fare.
HEMAN T. EADE.
Memories of the quiet but happy days of childhood passed on a ranch in Monterey county are brought to the mind of Mr. Eade when, in the midst of the busy activities of to-day, he al- lows his thoughts to turn to the incidents of days agone. While he is not a native of Cali- fornia, he remembers no other home than this, for when he was eighteen months old he was brought by his parents from his native Illinois to the shores of the Pacific, and here he first learned the lessons, bitter as well as sweet, that come with a dawning comprehension of life's mysteries and responsibilities. Born December 16, 1884, he had the advantages offered by schools compara- tively modern in system and aim, and thus ac- quired an education broad in its outlook as well as cultured in its effects.
Ranching has been the principal occupation of Heman T. Eade, who, after leaving school, had the great advantage of his father's experience and wise counsel, the two being together as part- ners for a considerable period. The tract which they managed consisted of three thousand acres, of which they placed five hundred acres under cultivation and devoted the balance to pasture and meadow. After the two had been together with satisfactory results for some time, in 1905, the son bought the father's interest and has since continued alone on the ranch near King City, where he raises barley as his principal grain crop, but likewise has some acreage in wheat.
The pastures furnish abundance of grass for his cattle, which number some one hundred and fifty head. There are also horses and hogs on the ranch, and the entire appearance of the place and the stock thereon bespeak the thrift and wise judgment of the proprietor. The neat ranch- house is presided over by Mrs. Eade, formerly Miss Pearl Longacre, of King City, and there is a daughter, Thelma May, to brighten the home and delight the hearts of the parents. Owing to the duties that demand his constant presence at the home ranch, it has not been possible for Mr. Eade to mingle prominently in public affairs, nor to take to himself the duties of office holding, but he performs every obligation falling upon a pro- gressive citizen and has given sympathetic help. to worthy measures. Fraternally he holds mem- bership with the Foresters of America and the Modern Woodmen at King City, and in both of these organizations he has been a willing contrib- utor to movements for the sustenance of the penniless and the relief of the distressed.
JAMES DUNCAN.
Many generations ago, when the clans of Scot- land were fighting valiantly for their country's honor and liberties, the clan of Duncan had its arms, its colors and its group of loyal, patriotic representatives, ever willing to offer their services to their native land in her hour of need. Par- ticipation in some of the stirring wars of the nation's history caused the family to become refugees to Ireland, and for several generations the name was an honored one in the county of Wexford, across St. George's Channel from Eng- land. The family became planted near the coast, and naturally its members sought livelihoods in occupations suited to their location. Robert and Jane (Hume) Duncan were said to have migrat- ed in early years from Scotland to Ireland and settled in the county of Wexford, where the lat- ter lived to be ninety-eight years of age. The former served for forty-five years on the Irish coast as a member of the coast guard service for the British government, and during all of that long period he was ever faithful to duty, prompt in service and trustworthy in his responsible post. Eventually, when the infirmities of age prevent-
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ed him from continuing in the service, he was pensioned by the government and spent his last days in quiet, comfort and contentment.
During the residence of the family near the Atlantic coast, in County Wexford, Ireland, James Duncan was born, April 27, 1841, and as a boy he attended the national schools until he had secured a fair education. At the age of twenty- two years he entered the government service and was employed in the building of fortifications and stock yards. The work, however, was not entire- ly suited to his tastes, and, having heard much concerning the new world, he determined to mi- grate to the Pacific coast. During 1867 he crossed the ocean to New York City. There he took passage on the steamer Northern Star for the Isthmus of Panama. The Civil war had closed not a great while before, and on the steamer there were many passengers, both from the north and the south. Discussions arose concerning the war. Disputes degenerated into fights, and more than once blood flowed during a skirmish that was a reign of terror for the balance of the passengers. After crossing the isthmus, passage was secured on the steamer Old Constitution, on which the voyage was concluded to San Francisco. During the entire trip from Ireland the only rough weather encountered was from New York to Panama, and with that exception the journey proved interesting and pleasant.
Shortly after his arrival in San Francisco, in 1867, Mr. Duncan secured work as a longshore- man, and meanwhile he studied the city and its residents. Market street, since so prominent a part of the city, had not yet sprung into exist- ence. The town was small and valuations so low that lots in the business section could be bought for $100 each. The environment was not satis- factory to the young Irishman, and he soon re- moved to Watsonville, and in 1868 became a resi- dent of Salinas. Near the town he secured em- ployment with Matt Williams on El Sausal ranch, for many years the headquarters of a large sheep business. The first furrow turned on the land was ploughed by Mr. Duncan, who re- mained there for three years, and meanwhile ac- complished much toward the cultivating of the place. The ranch contained eleven thousand acres and had been purchased for $3 an acre. On leaving there he rented a farm of three hun-
dred acres, two miles east of Salinas, and this property he bought in 1871, after which for years he engaged in raising barley and wheat. At the time of his arrival in Monterey county he found conditions bordering on the primitive. The ranches were vast, uncultivated ranges. The towns were mere hamlets. Salinas, indeed, was not even a hamlet, for it was nothing more than a way station for the stage. It took the stage coach one week to travel the distance from San Francisco to Los Angeles, and from Salinas to Los Angeles not a single fence was to be seen, nor any attempt at improving the land. All was a vast desert of primeval loneliness, giving no hint to even the most optimistic of future grandeur and prosperity.
The marriage of Mr. Duncan occurred Octo- ber 29, 1875, and united him with Miss Alice Williams, a native of Ireland. During 1870 he became identified with the Masonic order, and has since been a devoted friend of the principles of philanthropy advocated by the order. Political- ly he has been stanch in his allegiance to the Re- publican party, but at no time has he been so- licitous for office or willing to accept the same. After years of unwearied effort Mr. Duncan be- gan to feel the need of a life of less strenuous activity. Accordingly, in 1906, he leased his valuable ranch for a term of years and retired from active ranching enterprises, since which time he and his wife have established their home in an attractive cottage on Church street, Salinas. During 1906, being free for the first time in his life to enjoy a long vacation, he took his wife back to the old home in Ireland, and there spent five months, meanwhile visiting his sister. Almost forty years had come and gone since he had left the old homestead to seek a living in the broad, unknown world. As changes had come to him, so they had come to the old coast town familiar to his boyhood days. Many he once knew had sought homes far away, and many, too, had gone to that bourne whence no traveler returns. Only a few were left with whom he had passed the care-free days of boyhood, and in the renewal of friendships with these he found the greatest pleasure of his trip. As he finally turned his face toward the west and reviewed the past with all of its changes, he realized that the star of destiny that had guided him to California had
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guided him to prosperity, friends and a happy home, in which he hopes to spend a quiet, peace- ful and contented old age.
GEORGE WASHINGTON BLINN.
With the exception of a few months spent in Kansas, Mr. Blinn has been a continuous resi- dent of the state for the last half century, having located here in 1860. A native of the Empire state, he was born in Essex county August 7, 184I, a son of Mortimer and Amanda Maria (Morehouse) Blinn. The parents had spent the greater part of their lives in an agricultural com- munity in the east, but in the later years of their married life they determined to come to the west and found a home on the Pacific coast. Besides understanding farming thoroughly Mortimer Blinn had a good knowledge of the carpenter's trade, and this he undertook to follow when he came to California. As there was a healthy de- mand for good workmen in that calling he had no difficulty in finding all that he could do. Fin- ally he settled in Gonzales, Monterey county, and here he passed away April 9, 1885, his wife fol- lowing him in death many years later, May 8, 1908, at the age of ninety-two years.
Up to the age of nineteen years George W. Blinn had not been out of the confines of his na- tive surroundings in Essex county, N. Y. In the meantime his parents had come to the west and were constantly writing him to join them here. Finally, acceding to their wishes, he set sail on the North Star, which made the voyage on the Atlantic ocean, and on the Pacific side he boarded the John L. Stephens, which landed him in San Francisco in due time. Joining his father he also took up work at the carpenter's trade, being employed on the depot at Folsom, which at that time was nearing completion. During the fol- lowing summer he continued to work at his trade in that vicinity, and finally he secured employ- ment on the new toll bridge which was being con- structed across the south fork of the American river. His health finally gave way and for eiglı- teen months he was unable to perform any phy- sical labor. As soon as his health began to re- turn he engaged as a farm hand in Petaluma, and two years later he went to Point Reyes and was employed in making cheese for Steele Brothers.
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